Bill Mata to make first start in nine months for Edinburgh

But 20 is a lot more than four, and I couldn't really see France taking a Test off the ABs with them AWOL.

Agree on your comment re de Groot being upstaged by Tamaiti. de Groot at this stage is probably the better scrummager, but Tamaiti has a far wider range of skills, and he looks to me to be a highly intelligent rugby player. Great hands too.

I actually thought Meafou was younger than 26. Comparing him to Will Skelton, he is faster round the field. Those two hits you highlight show how fast he can get off the ground. Skelton is the better player going into contact, and offloading or presenting the ball fast and clean.

Man, that was a great contest. The AB's have played well on this EYOT.

It will be interesting to see if the players have any voice in the argument. Some of them may never get the chance to tour NZ again, let alone win a series there, so you could say it's a 'restraint of trade' if they are prevented from going.

The great thing about these two teams is their ability to play attacking rugby. But as your stats clearly show, France are able to create a lot more with less at the moment. Some opportunities are created with raw power up the middle. Others with pure French creativity.

I felt Razor missed a trick not bringing on the likes of Tuipulotu and Tosi earlier. Players need a good 30 mins to make an impact, and those two players have size and have been doing the job when given the opportunity.

The other issue I can't help but think is hindering the creation of more opportunities at the moment is the 10, 12 & 13 axis. While all players are good in their own right, I don't see anyone providing any creativity to free up others. I know your a big fan of Jordie Nick, but both him and Ioane don't seem exercise the basics of draw and pass, and in-tackle offloads. Things we always took for granted in NZ.

Although defensively it's a solid combo which can't be overlooked.

Yes, top drawer teams in a top draw match.

Nothing really between them, and reports of NZ's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

For mine, no difference between the top 4 teams on any day.

Of course France should take their top team to NZ.

Series like that, broadcast/streamed everywhere is what will keep grubby money away.

We already have an RUPL